Grapa Nature Reserve

The Grapa Nature Reserve is a forest reserve in Żywiec, established in 1996 to protect the natural deciduous forests characteristic of the Żywiec Basin. It covers 23.23 ha and is under strict protection.

Where it lies and what it covers

The reserve is an isolated forest complex on a steep slope above the Młynówka and Okiel streams, north of the Żywiec Sporysz railway station. The area lies at an altitude of 370 to 430 m above sea level. In the lower part stands a rock outcrop 4 m high, on which bouldering was practised.

What grows here

The flora of the reserve comprises 11 species of liverworts, 70 species of mosses and 162 species of vascular plants, including a dozen or so protected ones, such as goat's-beard (Aruncus dioicus), common spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), mezereon and giant horsetail.

The dominant community is subcontinental oak-hornbeam forest with hornbeam, pedunculate oak and small-leaved lime, mainly in the lower and damper parts. The second community is a rare ash-alder riparian forest with great masterwort, and along the paths a non-forest community of perennial ryegrass and ribwort plantain develops.

The trail and surroundings

A nature educational trail has been laid out in the reserve. One of the entrances leads from ulica Folwark. In Żywiec you can combine a visit with sightseeing at the City Museum or the castle on Grójec hill.

Practical information

• Location: Żywiec, north of Żywiec Sporysz station, entrance from ul. Folwark.
• Strict protection applies, so move only along the marked path.
• Check the detailed rules of entry with the Żywiec town office.